Akola Manor is a protected historic country house in Ii, in North West Finland bordering Lapland. Built in 1796, it represents a rare local timber interpretation of Gustavian style manor architecture. 

The aim of the restoration was to give Akola a new life and develop meaningful approaches for reviving the countryside. The restoration was a personal project for JKMM’s founding partner Teemu Kurkela, who spent his childhood summers in Akola.

New layers of architecture create a unique minimalistic atmosphere with wholly reconfigured spaces, specifically designed modern furniture and a contemporary courtyard landscape. Using authentic traditional materials and building techniques, the aim was to achieve the longest possible lifespan for Akola’s new future. For the project, JKMM collaborated with Louekari and Nomaji Landscape Architects.

For the use of Akola, the aim is to create “Akola Friends”, a community interested in meeting of minds and in exploring what is meaningful in life.